Beloved Piano Returns to Eastern OK VA Medical Center after Makeover
Veterans and staff were all smiles to see their beloved piano returned to the Main Lobby of the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center recently.
Though missed, the piano’s six-week absence was all part of The Whole Health team’s plan, in collaboration with the Muskogee Art Guild, to enhance the piano’s impact in the hospital.
Staff were excited to see the new paint job when the piano returned, which was celebrated with a special Piano Reveal event.
Artist Michael Todd Jones and fellow art guild members were excited to share his work with VA staff and Veterans during the unveiling ceremony held at the medical center.
“It was quite the privilege to be able to work on this project and give back to our nation’s heroes in some way,” said Jones. “To know that something I have done will be on display and be used by Veterans and staff for years to come is such an honor.”
Joan McWilliams, Whole Health coordinator, who had originally suggested the piano be painted, was thrilled to see the results. The idea was inspired by another music therapy program the Whole Health team facilitates.
“Our service previously worked with the Muskogee Art Guild during the Challenge America Music Retreat, a program that places locally painted guitars into the hands of our Veterans to help support progress and growth,” said McWilliams. “In fact, one of the painted guitars from the retreat is still on display in the lobby for our Veterans to enjoy.”
The piano, complete with a new look and fresh tuning, is available once again to spread joy to those in the facility. However, it was just a year ago, that same piano was headed for auction.
When Katelynn Quinn, music therapist, learned of the plans for the piano, she had an idea to repurpose it.
Quinn was inspired by seeing pianos available in other public places and envisioned the joy it could bring to Veterans and staff if made available for all to play.
Working with her team and other VA services, the piano was moved to the main lobby and the rest is history! Quinn says it is amazing to see these simple ideas making such a positive impact.
“For our Veterans who spend a good portion of their day here, it can help just having something they can play around with, like the piano or the guitar,” said Quinn. “I love working with our Veterans because they mean the world to me, and if music can help bring more joy to them and our facility, I’m all for it. I also have wonderful co-workers who have been very supportive of the program, and we just want our Veterans to know that you don’t have to have a background in music to benefit from music therapy. The therapeutic value of music is invaluable for physical, mental, and emotional conditions.”